Dogs have always been a big part of my life, and yes, since I am a pet photographer, well, dog photographer since I mainly photograph dogs.
When I was little we had dogs around - they weren't my dogs and back then I was a bit scared because they were big dogs and in Indonesia, some dogs aren't treated like they are family, and some just run wild. However, despite this I still love dogs. I was always curious of them back then.
And then I got my first dog when I was 13 years old. I've always wanted a dog as a companion but my parents weren't big dog fans, until somehow I managed to change my dad's mind.
I got my first dog Jaffa. Jaffa was a Maltese and he was such a sweet pup. I got him when he was 8 weeks old. My parents had no clue about raising a dog and gave me the responsibility of taking care of him. My younger sister and brother claimed him as the family dog but when it comes to being responsible for Jaffa, it always fell on me. I didn't mind though.
I toilet trained him, I also taught him basic training and took him to puppy school and obedience school. Jaffa wasn't perfect but he gave me so much love and that's really when I discovered the unconditional love that dogs gave us.
Jaffa lived a good long life. He passed away in 2017 at 17 years old. It was heartbreaking as it was the first time I have lost a dog that's a part of my family, a part of my heart.
Then there's Mac. Mac didn't get to live a long life like Jaffa. Mac came along as a colleague at work mentioned that her mum had a litter of Maltese x Silky and there was one more pup and no one has taken him. He was around 4 months old at that time. I got shown some photos of him and just fallen in love with him. Jaffa was 10 at that time and I wasn't sure whether introducing a puppy would be good but they got along and loved each other after a bit of an adjustment period.
Mac is a character, he had a unique and funny personality. He always had to have something in his mouth when I come home. Usually that's one of my shoes. This was something I will never forget about him.
Unfortunately Mac didn't live a long life. He passed away in 2019 at only 9 years old. He was diagnosed with heart failure just 7 months after Jaffa passed away in 2017. I was told he had 6 months, maybe 1 year, but he fought on for 2 years.
Mac changed my life, I loved him so much and I still do. I am crying as I write this... The last 2 years was hard with his heart failure but I wouldn't change anything. I gave him all the love I can and gave my all to make sure he lived comfortably during those last 2 years. He made my love for dogs grow even more. Mac is my heart dog and he had a big impact on my life.
Mac was the reason I started my pet photography business.
I did have some professional photos of Mac and me on the last day before he passed, but he was not comfortable during that studio session, nor was my other dog James (who was shaking and panting). I couldn't find an outdoor pet photographer - who specialises in just capturing photos of pets back then. And that is why I started my pet photography business.
Losing him made me realise our dogs or our pets is a family and a big part of our lives and how truly important it is to create memories of them throughout their short lifetime with us.
Although Jaffa and Mac are no longer here, they both still live in my heart and they made my love of dogs grow so big.
Now I've got 3 loving pups in my life - James, Pippa and Rosie. Again they each have their own unique personality and a space in my heart along with Jaffa and Mac.
Each of the dogs I have has made such a big impact in my life, each in their own way. They keep giving space in my heart to give more love to more dogs.
I believe as a pet photographer my duty is to create beautiful memories of our pets who are such a big part of our lives, capturing their unique and quirky personality and the love we have for them. I love being able to see photos of my pets up on my wall and bringing a smile each time I see it. I want others to have that too.
If you want to meet me and have a chat to see if I'm the right photographer for you and your dog (or other pets), then book in an appointment to come to my studio. There we can meet in person and have a chat so I can get to know more about you and your dog.
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Follow the circle
Check out my fellow pet photographer's blog circle. This week is all about why we love dogs. Next in the circle is Atlanta pet photographer Courtney Bryson pens a love letter to all the dogs she's loved before.
Make sure to follow along and click the link at the end of each post in the blog circle until you eventually find your way back here.
7 Comments
Oct 6, 2022, 2:24:50 PM
Tracy Allard - I loved learning a bit about your past and your past loves, how lucky you were to have Jaffa for 17 years! We should all be so lucky! Your current trio are adorable.
Oct 2, 2022, 12:27:17 PM
Darlene - Thanks for sharing your journey, Ina. They really do change our world and have such an impact on our lives. Beautiful memories of Jaffa and Mac and they will forever be in your heart. Love your trio!!!
Sep 30, 2022, 9:10:04 AM
Cahlean - Wonderful memories of all the pups who have been part of your life!
Sep 30, 2022, 8:29:26 AM
Jan - Ina: Mac and Jaffa started you on a beautiful journey, how lucky for those who can bring their dogs to you for keepsake portraits. Your work is beautiful (and your three babies are gorgeous)!
Sep 30, 2022, 8:23:18 AM
Terri Jankelow - I love reading about how people fell in love with dogs. You 3 are lucky to have you as their mom.
Sep 30, 2022, 8:10:25 AM
Angela Schneider - Your three pups are such hams! It's so great that you made room in your world for them after losing your first sweet two. I believe our babes teach us to love and prepare us to love even harder for their successors.
Sep 30, 2022, 5:46:55 AM
Kim Hollis - They are all so cute. Makes me consider getting a little dog!